The Best Hotels to Book Near the Angel Oak Tree, Charleston

It’ll be difficult staying at the Regatta Inn, as their rooms overlooking the Sunset Cay Marina will constantly tempt you to charter a boat and head out with your rod and reel. To curb the pangs, go downstairs for a big breakfast that’ll knock all notions of active excursions out of you – but don’t worry, the beach shuttle will still be running when you come round. After a day of sunning, head back sandy-haired for complimentary evening cocktails in the lobby.

Andell Inn insists that you trade the typical hotel experience for apartment-style living, and on this evidence we have to agree. Your suite has a dedicated work area, living space, fully equipped kitchen and plenty of extra space to stretch out. Get your shopping done early at Freshfields Village next door, before walking or biking to the beach. Since it’s a holiday, you could even take the complimentary shuttle – but then again, the resort’s saltwater pool is far closer.

How long will it take you to eat through more than a dozen restaurants at the Sanctuary? If you’re an avid golfer, you probably won’t have time to find out. This Kiawah Island golf resort has five courses waiting to steal every minute of free time. If all you see are the greens and the ceiling of your king suite, then you’ll have no complaints. If you have a few minutes extra to look around, you might notice boutique shops, three pools and stunning ocean views ready to spoil you.

The Charleston room at the Water’s Edge Inn may be the obvious choice for your stay, but it’s the marshfront Floridian room that’ll give you a balcony. Lost track of time up there? The 24-hour outdoor hot tub will still be bubbling, like a benevolent cauldron. And if you need a lift to the beach or a waterside watering hole, the staff will scoop you up in a golf cart and cruise you to the coast.

The Wentworth Mansion is so charming, you’ll be drunk on holiday spirit long before the evening brandy, sherry and port are served. Rooms wait to embrace you with gilded-age elegance (and a lavish, but more modern, two-person whirlpool tub). The full gourmet breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres with wine will keep you satiated in your suite, but do yourself a favor and spend at least one hour touring the city in the hotel’s 1928 Model A Ford sport coupe. Yes, really.

86 Cannon is a residential retreat that’ll have even the most ardent city slicker falling in love with Lowcountry living. This historic inn is an adults-only abode, and within walking distance of downtown despite being tucked away on a quiet street. You’ll toast to relaxation with a glass of champagne upon arrival, then lie back in your loft suite until the complimentary wine and cheese pairings are ready.

Charleston is nothing if not a city of romance. And there’s no better spot to feel the pull of its old-world atmosphere than the banks of the Ashley River, scattered with 26 sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Marriott puts you right in the heart of this – a cocktail on the hotel’s Aqua Terrace tastes all the better for its wide views of the snaking river.

Wash ashore on Tides at Folly Beach and plant yourself in the sand. No matter which room you store your flip flops in, you’ll have an ocean view greeting you every moment of your stay. The sun and sea breeze are perfect sides to go with your grilled Atlantic salmon at on-site Blu restaurant – but if you feel like you’ve had a few too many fried calamari? Work off those calories with a private surf lesson in the morning.